Diving mask comprising a li-fi communication module

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a diving mask ( 10 ) comprising a telecommunication system ( 190 ) configured to allow the establishment of a one-way or two-way light communication and, more specifically, using a Li-Fi-type communication protocol. For this purpose, the telecommunication system ( 190 ) comprises a light communication module ( 150 ) comprising a light source ( 151 ) configured to emit light signals in a plurality of directions around the diving mask ( 10 ), and an electronic control card ( 156 ) in order to control the light source ( 151 ) and modulate the amplitude of the light signal according to an electronic signal encoded by said electronic control card ( 156 ). The invention also relates to an underwater communication method ( 200 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical context of the present invention is that of scuba diving devices and, in particular, underwater diving masks. More particularly, the invention relates to a diving mask for underwater explorers, in particular when snorkeling wearing fins, a mask and a snorkel, or when scuba diving. Another particularly advantageous use of the present invention is that of exploration in deep waters as well as underwater mining.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Many devices that allow breathing underwater are known in the state of the art. According to a first known variant, such devices comprise a hookah-like tube, whose first end is in fluid communication with the mouth of the underwater explorer and whose second end is located in the open air in order to allow the underwater explorer to breathe in fresh air. This first known variant is particularly suited to the practice of diving just below the surface of the water, such as, for example, when practicing snorkeling.

According to a second known variant, these devices comprise a compressed-air cylinder, a regulator and a duct fluidly connecting the regulator to the mouth of the underwater explorer in order to allow him to breathe underwater.

Also known are telecommunications systems that include a microphone and a loudspeaker associated with a radio transmitter/receiver to enable communicating underwater. These systems thus emit radio waves in all directions in order to transmit the signal carried by the radio wave to a radio receiver of another telecommunications system, thus allowing two or more underwater explorers to communicate with each other through one or more channels.

It is known that such telecommunication systems are associated with devices making it possible to breathe underwater, thus making underwater communication possible during the diving activity.

However, such systems are often very bulky, heavy and energy intensive, making their use complex for an underwater explorer.

In order to address the above mentioned problems, at least to a large extent, the invention aims to propose a new diving mask, which will also offer other advantages.

Another object of the invention is to facilitate underwater communication during underwater excursions.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a diving mask comprising (i) a peripheral frame provided with a visor, (ii) a flexible skirt fixed to the peripheral frame, said flexible skirt forming, together with the peripheral frame and the visor, at least one chamber for the vision of a user of said diving mask, called the viewing chamber, (iii) a telecommunications system comprising a light communication module making it possible to transmit and/or send a digital signal, said light communication module comprising an electronic control card and a light source configured to emit a light signal modulated according to the digital signal encoded by said electronic control card.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the light source is configured to emit light signals in a plurality of communication directions around the diving mask. This configuration thus makes it possible to communicate more easily with other underwater explorers without having to worry about their position, while facilitating the reception of the light signal emitted by the light communication module.

The light source of the light communication module is configured to emit a light signal intermittently depending on the modulation performed. By intermittent light signal, it is understood that the light signal generated by the light source is not invariant when said light source is configured to emit such a light signal: its intensity and/or frequency and/or phase is variable. A modulation frequency of the light signal is advantageously greater than several megahertz.

The peripheral frame of the diving mask in accordance with the first aspect of the invention is intended to surround at least part of the underwater explorer's face and, at the very least, to surround the eyes of said underwater explorer. The visor is integral with the peripheral frame and extends inside the latter in order to offer the underwater explorer the widest possible field of vision. According to a first variant embodiment, the visor is attached to the peripheral frame and fixedly attached to the latter. According to a second variant embodiment, the visor is made from the same material and integral with the peripheral frame, so that they both form a single part and cannot be detached from one another without damaging the visor and/or the diving mask.

The flexible skirt is configured to prevent water from infiltrating between the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention and the underwater explorer's face by acting as a watertight or substantially watertight seal when pressed and held against the underwater explorer's face.

In order to make it easy to hold the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention against the underwater explorer's face, said diving mask may advantageously comprise a detachable attachment system, such as, for example, at least one strap connecting the diving mask in two attachment points located on either side of the visor.

Thus, the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to transmit a digital signal from said diving mask in order to establish communication with a receiver system capable of receiving the light signal emitted by the light source. The invention in accordance with its first aspect thus makes it possible to dispense with radio wave emissions which have been used until now.

Therefore, the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to facilitate communication between two underwater explorers, each wearing such a diving mask, when they are submerged under the surface of the water, but also when their heads are above water: therefore, the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible for two underwater explorers to communicate easily with each other without having to remove said diving mask.

The diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics corresponding to these improvements being taken alone or in combination:

-   -   the light signal generated by the light source is amplitude         and/or frequency modulated based on the digital signal encoded         by the electronic control card;     -   the light communication module is advantageously a LiFi module         configured to send and/or receive a digital signal encoded         according to a communication protocol called LiFi, the acronym         for Light-Fidelity. The LiFi communication protocol is described         in particular in the IEEE 802.15.7 standard which relates to the         visible light communication protocols, which are the subject of         the present invention;     -   the peripheral frame comprises an intermediate partition which         separates the viewing chamber from an adjacent chamber for         breathing, called the breathing chamber, said intermediate         partition being arranged to rest above the nose of a user of the         diving mask, so that the user's mouth and nose are housed in the         breathing chamber and the user's eyes are housed in the viewing         chamber. Advantageously, the intermediate partition and the         flexible skirt form a single piece;     -   the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention         comprises a breathing tube integral with the peripheral frame,         said breathing tube being in fluid communication with the         breathing chamber. This advantageous configuration allows the         underwater explorer to breathe, with an upper end of the         breathing tube being free and intended to be located out of the         water when the explorer is wearing the diving mask according to         the first aspect of the invention. A lower end of the breathing         tube is advantageously in fluid communication with the breathing         chamber in order to allow free circulation of air between the         free end of said breathing tube and said breathing chamber;     -   advantageously, the peripheral frame and the breathing tube are         monolithic and together form a single part resulting from a         single manufacturing process, for example by molding. This         advantageous configuration makes it possible to simplify the         manufacture of the diving mask and, in particular, of the         peripheral frame. Alternatively, the breathing tube is removably         attached to the diving mask according to the first aspect of the         invention, and more particularly to the peripheral frame;     -   the light source of the light communication module comprises a         plurality of light-emitting diodes forming the light source of         said light communication module. The light-emitting diodes are         advantageously configured to emit a light signal, a wavelength         of which is located in the spectrum visible to the human eye,         that is to say, advantageously between 450 nm and 700 nm.         Preferably, an emission spectrum from the light source has         maximum energy in the wavelengths corresponding to red and/or         green radiations in order to limit the impact of light emissions         on the underwater fauna and flora. Optionally, or as a         complement, the emission spectrum of the light source may also         extend into the infra-red or near-infra-red range.         Alternatively, the emission spectrum of the light source is         exclusively or mainly located in the infrared range. This         advantageous configuration makes it possible to reduce the         nuisance of the light communication module, when it is         operating, on the underwater fauna and flora;     -   the light communication module is housed in a sealed case, said         case being fixedly attached to the peripheral frame. Preferably,         the case is detachable from the peripheral frame. More         particularly, the case is fixed to the peripheral frame outside         the viewing chamber so as not to interfere with the vision of         the underwater explorer and to allow him to see in front of him;     -   a communication surface corresponds to a profile along which the         light-emitting diodes of the light communication module are         fixed on the diving mask;     -   according to a first variant embodiment, the light-emitting         diodes of the light communication module are fixed to the diving         mask on a communication surface located on the periphery of the         waterproof case;     -   according to a second variant embodiment, the light-emitting         diodes of the light communication module are fixed to the diving         mask on a communication surface located on the periphery of the         peripheral frame of said diving mask;     -   in the second variant embodiment, the light-emitting diodes are         located on two lateral edges of the diving mask, the         light-emitting diodes located on a first lateral edge of the         diving mask being configured to emit the light signal towards         first communication directions located on a first side of said         diving mask; and the light-emitting diodes located on a second         lateral edge of the diving mask being configured to emit the         light signal in second communication directions located on a         second side of said diving mask;     -   according to a third variant embodiment, the light-emitting         diodes of the light communication module are fixed to the diving         mask on a communication surface located on the periphery of the         breathing tube of said diving mask;     -   in the third alternative embodiment, the communication surface         is in the form of a ring or an annular surface around a         cylindrical portion of the breathing tube. In other words, the         light-emitting diodes of the light communication module are         located around the breathing tube and along one or more rings         distributed longitudinally with respect to each other along said         breathing tube, the ring(s) collectively forming the         communication surface. Advantageously, the communication surface         is located at a free end of the breathing tube, or near said         free end;     -   for any of the alternative embodiments, the communication         surface forms a closed contour around the diving mask or an open         contour around the diving mask. Optionally, the communication         surface takes the form of several segments distributed in         various zones of the peripheral frame of the diving mask, said         various zones collectively forming the communication surface;     -   the light-emitting diodes are evenly distributed along the         communication surface, the distance between two directly         adjacent light-emitting diodes being constant;     -   the communication directions according to which the light source         of the light communication module emits the light signal         collectively form, in a time plane, a beam whose aperture is         between 45° and 360°. The time plane is advantageously         perpendicular to the light source and/or at a larger distance         from the diving mask. More generally, the time plane along which         the light source of the light communication module is arranged         corresponds substantially to a frontal plane or to a transverse         plane of the diver when the latter is wearing the diving mask on         his head. In other words, the light communication module is         fixedly attached to the diving mask in a position such that the         time plane defined by the light source of said light         communication module is substantially perpendicular to the axis         of the head of the diver wearing said diving mask. This         advantageous configuration allows the light communication module         to emit the light signal in a plurality of communication         directions around the diver, facilitating his communication with         another compatible telecommunication system;     -   the communication directions according to which the light source         of the light communication module emits light rays together         form, in a plane perpendicular to the time plane, called the         declination plane, a beam whose opening is between 5° and 45°;     -   the electronic control card of the light communication module is         configured to control all the light-emitting diodes of said         light communication module in parallel and/or in a synchronized         manner. In other words, the digital signal encoded by the         electronic control card so as to modulate the corresponding         light signal generated by the light source of the light         communication module is used to control all the light-emitting         diodes forming said light source simultaneously and/or in         parallel so as to send the light signal in all communication         directions, said light signal carrying in all said communication         directions a same modulated digital signal.     -   the telecommunication system comprises a plurality of         photoreceptors electrically connected to the electronic control         card in order to demodulate a light signal received by said         photoreceptors. During demodulation of the light signal received         by the photodetector, the electronic control card generates an         electrical signal, advantageously digital, which thus carries         information carried by the light signal received by the         photodetector. This advantageous configuration makes it possible         to establish bidirectional communication between two         telecommunications systems and, more particularly, between two         diving masks in accordance with the first aspect of the         invention;     -   each photodetector advantageously consists of a photodiode whose         bandwidth is compatible with the wavelength of the light source         of the light communication module;     -   each photoreceptor is located adjacent and alternately with one         of the light-emitting diodes of the light communication module.         This advantageous configuration makes it possible to enhance the         compact design of the telecommunications system and to optimize         the detection of a light signal emitted in several different         directions from another diving mask according to the first         aspect of the invention;     -   the telecommunication system includes a battery for supplying         electrical power to at least the light communication module.         According to a first variant embodiment, the battery is housed         in the case of the light communication module, near the         electronic control card and/or the light source. According to a         second variant embodiment, the battery is housed in a case,         preferably waterproof, separate from the case housing the light         communication module, said battery being electrically connected         to said light communication module by means of electrical         conductor(s). This advantageous configuration makes it possible,         in particular, to facilitate the recharging of the battery         between two underwater excursions;     -   the telecommunications system consists of a microphone and a         loudspeaker. Thus, this advantageous configuration allows the         underwater explorer to speak with, and respectively hear,         another underwater explorer equipped with a compatible         telecommunication system such as, for example, a diving mask         according to the first aspect of the invention;     -   the microphone and/or the loudspeaker are connected to the         electronic control card of the light communication module by         means of a wired link. Alternatively, the microphone and/or the         loudspeaker are connected to the electronic control card of the         light communication module via a wireless link. Thus, when the         underwater explorer speaks into the microphone of the diving         mask according to the first aspect of the invention, the         electrical signal generated by the microphone is carried to the         electronic control card which encodes said electrical signal         into a digital signal which controls the light source. According         to this digital signal, the light source emits a light signal         whose modulation is directly linked to the digital signal         encoded by the electronic control card, thus making it possible         to transmit by light communication the audio message recorded by         the microphone of the diving mask according to the first aspect         of the invention. By analogy, when the diving mask according to         the first aspect of the invention receives a light         signal—originating, for example, from another diving mask         according to the first aspect of the invention, the         photodetector of the light communication module converts the         light signal received into an electrical signal which is         transmitted to the electronic control card. The electronic         control card demodulates the electrical signal into a         demodulated electrical signal which is carried to the         loudspeaker of the diving mask according to the first aspect of         the invention, thus allowing the underwater explorer to hear an         audio signal.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an underwater communication method comprising the following steps is proposed:

-   -   an acquiring step of a sound signal by means of a microphone of         an underwater communication system;     -   an encoding step of the sound signal into a digital signal for         controlling a light source, the encoding step being carried out         by an electronic control card of the underwater communication         system;     -   a controlling step of the light source for emitting a light         signal in a plurality of communication directions around the         underwater communication system, an amplitude of said light         signal being modulated according to the digital control signal.

Optionally, the underwater light communication method according to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises the following steps:

-   -   a receiving step of the light signal by a photodetector of the         underwater communication system;     -   a decoding step of the light signal into a decoded digital         signal, the decoding step being carried out by the electronic         control card of the underwater communication system;     -   a generating step of a sound signal by means of a loudspeaker of         the underwater communication system.

The steps of receiving the light signal and/or decoding and/or generating the sound signal may, collectively or individually, be located before the steps of acquiring the sound signal and/or encoding and/or controlling the light sources.

Therefore, the light communication method makes it possible to establish a one-way or two-way communication by emitting and/or receiving a light signal carrying oral information. The light communication method is particularly suitable for underwater communication and allows easy communication over great distances.

According to a third aspect of the invention, an underwater communication system comprising means configured to implement all the steps of the underwater communication method in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, is proposed. Preferably, the means of the underwater communication system according to the third aspect of the invention comprise at least one diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention, or according to any one of its improvements, and, preferably, two diving masks according to the first aspect of the invention, or according to any one of its improvements.

Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating the various optional characteristics set out here according to all of their possible combinations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent, on the one hand, from the following description, and, on the other hand, from several embodiments given by way of example and not limiting with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an underwater light communication method according to the second aspect of the invention.

The characteristics, the variants and the different embodiments of the invention may obviously be associated with each other, in various combinations, insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. It is, in particular, possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of the characteristics described below in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.

In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described may be combined with one another if there is nothing to prevent this combination from a technical point of view.

In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same references.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention according to its first aspect relates to a diving mask 10 comprising (i) a peripheral frame 110 provided with a visor 130, (ii) a flexible skirt 120 fixed to the peripheral frame 110, said flexible skirt 120 forming, with the peripheral frame 110 and the visor 130, at least one chamber for the vision of a user of said diving mask 10, called the viewing chamber 170, (iii) a telecommunications system 190 comprising a light communication module 150 making it possible to transmit and/or send a digital signal, said light communication module 150 comprising an electronic control card 156 and a light source 151 configured to emit a light signal modulated according to the digital signal encoded by said electronic control card 156. The invention differs from the known prior art in that the light source 151 is configured to emit light signals in a plurality of communication directions around the diving mask 10.

According to a first possible use of the diving mask 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, said diving mask 10 is suitable for dives in deep water and/or during dives of several tens of minutes, said diving mask 10 being suitable for use in combination with compressed air storage devices. According to a second possible use, the diving mask 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to swim close to the surface, in a natural environment such as the sea or natural reservoirs, or in an artificial basin, in particular in order to practice spearfishing or exploring the seabed without a scuba tank.

The diving mask 10 according to the first aspect of the invention allows its user to simultaneously keep his eyes open when he is underwater and breathe without having to take his head out of the water. For this purpose, and as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the diving mask 10, called integral, comprises a breathing tube 115. In these variant embodiments, the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 110 extends around the face of its user, in order to frame both his eyes and his airways, namely the nose and/or the mouth.

By providing a breathing tube 115, the invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to a snorkel having an open distal end relative to the peripheral frame 110, or a flexible tube connected to a source of compressed air carried by the user of the diving mask. 10.

Alternatively, the diving mask 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention is a mask which protects only the eyes of its user in order to allow him to keep his eyes open during his underwater excursions. In these variant embodiments, the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 110 extends around an upper part of the face of its user, in order to frame his eyes.

In the case of a partial diving mask 10 or an integral diving mask 10, the peripheral frame enables the visor 130 to be placed in front of the eyes of the user of said diving mask 10. In general, the visor 130 is in the form of a transparent or translucent face shield through which the user of the diving mask 10 can see.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the peripheral frame 110 is provided with a single visor 130 which extends from one edge to the other of said peripheral frame 110, said visor 130 extending in front of the two eyes of the user. Optionally, according to a second variant embodiment not shown, the diving mask 10 may comprise two visors 130, each visor 130 extending in front of a single eye of the user. In this variant embodiment, the peripheral frame comprises a band configured to surround and hold each corresponding visor 130.

The visor(s) 130 is (are) advantageously fixed integrally to the peripheral frame 110, optionally in a detachable manner. According to another variant embodiment, the visor(s) 130 of the diving mask 10 is (are) made from the same material and integral with the peripheral frame 110.

The peripheral frame 110 and/or the visor 130 of the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention are advantageously made of a plastic material. Advantageously, in order to reduce production costs, the peripheral frame 110 and/or the visor 130 are made by a molding or extrusion-type manufacturing process.

In order to maintain a comfortable and sufficiently sealed bearing against the face of the user of the diving mask 10 according to the first aspect of the invention, the flexible skirt 120 of said diving mask 10 extends along the peripheral frame 110 and is designed to be pressed against the face of said user. In other words, the flexible skirt 120 is located on the side of a bearing face of the diving mask 10 against the face of its user. The flexible skirt 120 is said to be flexible because it is made of a material that is more deformable than the peripheral frame.

By way of nonlimiting example, the flexible skirt 120 may be made of silicone.

In order to be kept in place on the face of its user, the diving mask 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one removable attachment system not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, in the form of a strap connecting two opposite lateral ends of the peripheral frame 110.

Subsequently, the diving mask 110 defines at least a viewing chamber 170 delimited by the visor 130, the peripheral frame 110 and the flexible skirt 120. The viewing chamber 170 thus forms a volume of air between the diving mask 110 and the face of its user, contributing to the comfort of use of said diving mask 10. In case of a partial diving mask 10, the viewing chamber 170 is delimited by the peripheral frame 110 and extends to the middle of the face, between the user's nose and mouth.

Optionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 10 includes an intermediate partition 116 which separates the viewing chamber 170 from a breathing chamber 180. The breathing chamber 180 is adjacent to the viewing chamber 170. More particularly, the breathing chamber 180 is located below the viewing chamber 170: it extends to the level of the mouth and/or nostrils of the user wearing the diving mask 10. To this end, the intermediate partition 116 of the peripheral frame 110 is designed to be brought to bear on the nose of the user of the diving mask 10, while a lower end of the peripheral frame 110 extends to, or even below, the user's chin. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to accommodate the mouth and the nose of the user in the breathing chamber 180, while the eyes of the user are housed in the viewing chamber 170.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the viewing chamber 170 is in fluid communication with the breathing chamber 180 through a valve 175 placed at the intermediate partition 116. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to limit fogging on the visor 170 during use of the diving mask 10.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the viewing chamber 170 and the breathing chamber 180 together form a single chamber. This configuration simplifies the design of the diving mask 10 and contributes to reducing its manufacturing costs.

According to an improvement of the invention in accordance with its first aspect, the diving mask 10 may comprise a breathing tube in order to allow its user to breathe while keeping his head under water. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the breathing tube 115 of the diving mask 10 is integral with the peripheral frame 110. According to an alternative embodiment, the breathing tube 115 is made from the same material and integral with the peripheral frame 110, said breathing tube 115 and said peripheral frame 110 forming a single piece, neither one being detachable from the other without damaging one of the two. According to an alternative embodiment, the breathing tube 115 is fixed integrally and in a detachable manner to the peripheral frame 110, using temporary fixing means, such as for example by snap-fastening.

The breathing tube 115 is in fluid communication with the breathing chamber 180 of the diving mask 10. For this purpose, the peripheral frame 110 advantageously houses at least one fluidic duct which extends from one end of the breathing tube 115 in engagement. with said peripheral frame 110, to an opening in said peripheral frame 110 located at the breathing chamber 180.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the breathing tube 115 takes the form of a tube, preferably housed on a top of the diving mask 10. Obviously, the invention also includes other configurations of the breathing tube 115, such as, for example, a breathing tube 115 located on a side edge of the diving mask 10, or a front connection to the diving mask 10 for a regulator such as used in diving, said front connection being located at the breathing chamber 180, near the mouth of the user of the diving mask 10 and through the peripheral frame 110 and/or the visor 130 at said breathing chamber 180.

The diving mask 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 also comprises a microphone 157 in order to allow recording the voice of the user of said diving mask 10. The microphone is advantageously placed in the breathing chamber area 180. More particularly, the microphone 157 is located near, or even opposite, the mouth of the user wearing the diving mask 10. The microphone 157 is advantageously attached to the visor 130 or to the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask. 10. It is preferably located inside the breathing chamber 180 so as not to get wet when the diving mask 10 is submerged.

The diving mask 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 also comprises two loudspeakers 154 to allow the user of said diving mask to hear a sound transmitted by the telecommunications system 190. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the loudspeakers 154 take the form of earphones. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the loudspeakers 154 are located on the peripheral frame 110, at a lateral bearing 111 situated opposite or near the ears of the user of the diving mask 10 when he wears it.

According to the invention, the diving mask 10 comprises the telecommunications system 190 as described above in order to allow establishing an underwater communication between two or more underwater explorers. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate different configurations of the light communication module 150 of the telecommunication system 190 which will be detailed in the following paragraphs.

Referring to FIG. 1, the light communication module 150 is located on the breathing tube 115. More particularly, the light communication module 150 is located near a free end of the breathing tube 115. The light source 151 of the light communication module 150 comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes 1511 collectively forming said light source 151.

The light-emitting diodes are distributed around the breathing tube 115, along a communication surface 156 which extends longitudinally along said breathing tube 115 and circumferentially around said breathing tube 115. The communication surface 156 extends longitudinally for a distance between 10% and 50% of a longitudinal length of the breathing tube 115, said longitudinal length being defined by the distance between one end of the breathing tube 115 attached to the peripheral frame 110 and the free end of the breathing tube 115, distant from said peripheral frame 110.

The light-emitting diodes 1511 of the light communication module 150 are preferably distributed over the communication surface 156 according to a regular two-dimensional network, a distance between two adjacent light-emitting diodes 1511 being constant.

This advantageous configuration makes it possible to emit a light signal in a plurality of directions all around the diving mask 10, thus improving the chances that this light signal is received by a compatible photodetector of another diving mask 10, for example.

In addition, the light communication module 150 of the diving mask 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of photodetectors 152 located on the breathing tube 115. More particularly, the photodetectors 152 of the light communication module 150 are located near a free end of the breathing tube 115, and preferably at the communication surface 156.

The photodetectors 152 of the light communication module 150 are preferably distributed according to a regular two-dimensional network, a distance between two adjacent photodetectors 152 being constant.

Advantageously, the photodetectors are mixed with the light-emitting diodes 1511, so that a light-emitting diode 1511 is always associated with a photodetector 152. In other words, each photoreceptor 152 is located adjacent and alternately with one of the light-emitting diodes 1511 of the light communication module 151. This configuration makes it possible to improve the detection of a light signal coming from any direction around the diving mask 10, thus facilitating the establishment of a two-way communication between two diving masks 10 forming together an underwater communication system.

Referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of light-emitting diodes 1511, collectively forming said light source 151 of the light communication module 150, is located on a communication surface 156 which surrounds the visor 130 of the diving mask 10.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the light communication module 150 of the diving mask 10 is located on the peripheral frame 110, the communication surface 156 forming a closed contour around the visor 130. According to a variant of embodiment not shown, the communication surface 156 may form an open contour on only part of the peripheral frame 110. By way of non-limiting example, the communication surface 156 may be located on each lateral edge of the peripheral frame 110 and/or on an upper edge and/or an inner edge of said peripheral frame 110.

According to another variant embodiment not shown, the light communication module 150 of the diving mask 10 is located on the visor 130 of the diving mask, the communication surface 156 forming a closed contour at a peripheral zone of said visor. 130. The communication surface 156 may form an open contour on only a part of the peripheral zone of the visor 130. By way of non-limiting example, the communication surface 156 may be located on each lateral edge of the visor 130 and/or on an upper edge and/or an inner edge of said visor 130.

The light-emitting diodes 1511 of the light communication module 150 are preferably distributed over the communication surface 156 according to a regular two-dimensional network, a distance between two adjacent light-emitting diodes 1511 being constant.

This advantageous configuration makes it possible to emit a light signal in a plurality of directions all around the diving mask 10, thus improving the chances that this light signal is received by a compatible photodetector of another diving mask 10, for example.

In addition, the light communication module 150 of the diving mask 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a plurality of photodetectors 152 located on the communication surface 156. The photodetectors 152 of the light communication module 150 are preferably distributed according to a regular two-dimensional network, a distance between two adjacent photodetectors 152 being constant. Advantageously, the photodetectors are mixed with the light-emitting diodes 1511, so that a light-emitting diode 1511 is always associated with a photodetector 152. In other words, each photoreceptor 152 is located adjacent and alternately with one of the light-emitting diodes 1511 of the light communication module 151. This configuration makes it possible to improve the detection of a light signal coming from any direction around the diving mask 10, thus facilitating the establishment of a bidirectional communication between two diving masks 10 forming together an underwater communication system.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the loudspeakers 154, the microphone 157, the light source 151 and the photodetector 152 are electrically connected, preferably by a wire link, to the electronic control card 156 in order to allow a two-way light communication to be established, as described above.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic control card 156 of the light communication module 150 is configured to control all the light-emitting diodes 1511 in parallel and/or in a synchronized manner: thus the telecommunication system 190 of the diving mask 10 sends, in a plurality of communication directions around said diving mask 10, a light signal which carries the same information: that which has been encoded by the electronic control card 156.

Finally, the telecommunication system 190 of the diving mask 10 may advantageously comprise an energy source not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which may, for example, take the form of a battery attached to the diving mask 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an underwater light communication method 200 according to the second aspect of the invention. Such an underwater light communication method 200 may advantageously be implemented by the diving mask 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and as illustrated above with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular. The underwater light communication method 200 comprises the following steps:

-   -   an acquiring step 201 of a sound signal by means of the         microphone 157 of the telecommunications system 190;     -   an encoding step 202 of the sound signal into a digital signal         for controlling the light source 151, the encoding step being         carried out by the electronic control card 156 of the         telecommunications system 190;     -   a controlling step 203 of the light source 151 to emit a light         signal in a plurality of communication directions around the         telecommunications system 190, an amplitude of the light signal         being modulated according to the digital control signal, and         preferably according to a LiFi communication protocol;     -   a receiving step 204 of the light signal by the photodetector         152 of the telecommunications system 190;     -   a decoding step 205 of the light signal into a decoded digital         signal, the decoding step being carried out by the electronic         control card 156 of the telecommunications system 190;     -   a generating step 206 of a sound signal by means of one or more         loudspeakers 154 of the telecommunications system 190.

In summary, the invention relates to a diving mask 10 comprising a telecommunications system 190 configured to allow the establishment of a one-way or two-way light communication, and, more particularly, according to a communication protocol of the LiFi type. To this end, the telecommunications system 190 comprises a light communication module 150 including a light source 151 configured to emit light signals in a plurality of directions around the diving mask 10, and an electronic control card 156 for controlling said light source 151 and for modulating the amplitude of said light signal according to an electronic signal encoded by said electronic control card 156.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, shapes, variants and embodiments of the invention may be associated with one another in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above may be combined with one another. 

1. A diving mask (10) comprising: a peripheral frame (110) provided with a visor (130); a flexible skirt (120) fixed to the peripheral frame (110), said flexible skirt (120) forming, with the peripheral frame (110) and the visor (130), at least one chamber for the vision of a user of said diving mask (10), called the viewing chamber (170); a telecommunications system (190) comprising a light communication module (150) for transmitting and/or sending a digital signal, said light communication module (150) comprising an electronic control card (156) and a light source (151) configured to emit a light signal modulated according to the digital signal encoded by said electronic control card (156); characterized in that the light source (151) is configured to emit light signals in a plurality of communication directions around the diving mask (10).
 2. The diving mask (10) according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral frame (110) comprises an intermediate partition which separates the viewing chamber (170) from an adjacent chamber for breathing, called the breathing chamber (180), said intermediate partition being arranged to rest above the nose of a user of the diving mask (10), so that the mouth and the nose of the user are housed in the breathing chamber (180) and the user's eyes are housed in the viewing chamber (170).
 3. The diving mask (10) according to claim 2, wherein the diving mask (10) comprises a breathing tube (115) integral with the peripheral frame (110), said breathing tube (115) being in fluid communication with the breathing chamber (180).
 4. The diving mask (10) according to claim 1, wherein the light source (151) of the light communication module (150) comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (1511) forming the light source (151) of said light communication module (150).
 5. The diving mask (10) according to claim 4, wherein the light communication module (150) is housed in a sealed case, said case being fixedly attached to the peripheral frame (110), the light-emitting diodes (1511) of the light communication module (150) being fixed to the diving mask (10) according to a communication surface located on the periphery of the watertight case.
 6. The diving mask (10) according to claim 4, wherein the light-emitting diodes (1511) of the light communication module (150) are fixed to the diving mask (10) on a communication surface located at the periphery of the peripheral frame (110) of said diving mask (10).
 7. The diving mask (10) according to claim 4, wherein the light-emitting diodes (1511) are located on two side edges of the diving mask (10), the light-emitting diodes (1511) located on a first lateral edge of the diving mask (10) being configured to emit the light signal in first communication directions located on a first side of said diving mask (10); and the light-emitting diodes (1511) located on a second lateral edge of the diving mask (10) being configured to emit the light signal in second communication directions located on a second side of said diving mask (10).
 8. The diving mask (10) according to claim 4, wherein the light-emitting diodes (1511) of the light communication module (150) are fixed to the diving mask (10) on a communication surface (158) located at the periphery of the breathing tube (115) of said diving mask (10).
 9. The diving mask (10) according to claim 1, in which the electronic control card (156) of the light communication module (150) is configured to control all the light-emitting diodes (1511) of said light communication module (150) in a parallel and/or synchronized manner.
 10. The diving mask (10) according to claim 1, wherein the telecommunications system (190) comprises a plurality of photoreceptors (152) electrically connected to the electronic control card (156) in order to demodulate a light signal received by said photoreceptors (152).
 11. The diving mask (10) according to claim 10, wherein each photoreceptor (152) is located adjacent and alternately with one of the light-emitting diodes (1511) of the light communication module (150).
 12. The diving mask (10) according to claim 1, in which the telecommunications system (190) comprises a microphone (157) and a loudspeaker (154) connected to the electronic control card (156) of the light communication module (150) by means of a wired link.
 13. An underwater light communication method (200) using an underwater communication system, said underwater communication method comprising the following steps: an acquiring step (201) of a sound signal through a microphone (157) of an underwater communication system; an encoding step (202) of the sound signal into a digital control signal of a light source (151), the encoding step being performed by an electronic control card (156) of the underwater communication system; a controlling step (203) of the light source (151) to emit a light signal in a plurality of communication directions around the underwater communication system, an amplitude of said light signal being modulated according to the digital control signal.
 14. The underwater communication method according to claim 13, wherein said method comprises the following steps: a receiving step (204) of the light signal by a photodetector (152) of the underwater communication system; a decoding step (205) of the light signal into a decoded digital signal, the decoding step being performed by the electronic control card (156) of the underwater communication system; a generating step (206) of a sound signal by means of a loudspeaker (154) of the underwater communication system.
 15. An underwater communication system comprising means configured to implement all the steps of the underwater communication method according to claim
 13. 